Gold Supply Chain Traceability with Argor-Heraeus

Gold is easy to melt, mix and resell, which makes its origin hard to prove once it leaves the mine. Without gold supply chain traceability, responsibly mined gold and illicit gold can end up in the same bar.

• Sourcing risks: Without traceability, gold can be linked to illegal mining, human rights abuses and armed conflict, especially in politically unstable regions.
• Environmental impact: Illegal gold mining causes severe ecological harm, including deforestation and mercury pollution, with long-term risks to health and the environment.

Failure to meet regulatory standards can lead to heavy fines, market bans and serious reputational damage. Refiners, banks and traders must comply with strict international rules, including:

• OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
• U.S. Dodd-Frank Act, Section 1502, requiring listed companies to disclose their use of conflict minerals
• EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (EU) 2017/821, requiring due diligence from EU importers of gold and other minerals

Meeting these rules requires more than paperwork: it requires proof that the gold really comes from where the documents say.

Using TraceDNA™, a unique DNA marker is applied directly to doré gold bars at the mine, following a strict protocol. The marker creates a physical link between the gold and its source, preventing mixing with illicit gold during transport. The doré bars are then shipped to Switzerland for refining. On arrival at the Argor-Heraeus refinery, the DNA marker is tested to confirm the gold’s provenance and verify that it comes from the selected mines.

Once the source is verified, the traceable gold bars undergo refinement on a dedicated production line, ensuring the highest standards of quality and integrity.

Yes, when the gold is marked before refining. In this project, a DNA marker is applied to doré bars at the mine and tested when they arrive at the Argor-Heraeus refinery in Switzerland. Only gold with a confirmed origin is refined on the dedicated production line, so the finished bars sold as traceable gold can be linked to selected mines.

Thanks to the DNA marker, Argor-Heraeus enables clients such as Zürcher Kantonalbank and LGT to sell traceable gold:

• Proof of origin: Forensic evidence that the gold comes from carefully selected, responsible mines.
• Transparent supply chain: Provides verifiable data at every step of the process.
• Responsible handling: The gold is handled only by selected, responsible partners.
• Meets market expectations: Supports due diligence requirements for responsible gold.
• Builds trust: Fosters confidence for partners and clients.
• Industry trends: More and more gold traders are interested in paying a premium for traceable gold.

This project uses TraceDNA™, Haelixa’s DNA-based solution for supply chain traceability.

Argor-Heraeus is a Swiss-based precious metals refinery that belongs to the German-based Heraeus Precious Metals. With a strong position in the value chain, it offers services in investment products, luxury sectors, and precious metals trading, supporting clients globally with high-quality solutions.